Present: Jo Nean, David G, Stephen Watson, Doly Garcia, John Bristow, Maureen Winder, Ann Baldridge. Notes by Ann Baldridge.
1. Network map: the group reviewed how best to present the Network map, drawing on the draft prepared by Kat Neeser.
• Neighbourhood groups: There was discussion over how the neighbourhood groups should be represented on the maps – e.g. whether groups should be based on their wards. It was agreed that this would eventually be down to the neighbourhood groups and that they will evolve on their own. In the first instance, though, areas will be broken down by ward and the groups will evolve as they will...
• Function groups: a function group is a group of people that form around a certain topic that they want to contribute to in the expression of Transition B&H and the creation of the city’s energy decent plan. There was discussion about the term ‘function group’ and whether this was the best wording for groups that form around particular interests such as food, energy, transport, etc. It was suggested that ‘interest group’ may be a more appropriate choice. The Hub members present suggest that TBH adopt this term over function group, though we are open to any other suggestions. There was also a suggestion that we try to avoid overlap of interest groups as we want to encourage people to get involved and not have to choose between too many different groups to give their time to.
• There was a sense that the draft Neighbourhood map was trying to achieve too much, and may end up confusing people instead of clarifying how all the different parts of TBH come together. Doly suggested that the network map could look something like this:
The term ‘project groups’ was used to define groups that form to carry out projects for various purposes outside of interest or neighbourhood groups, for example under the Education and Awareness Raising programme.
David suggested that, for clarity, each type of group in the diagram above should include a brief definition.
All groups can be listed under each heading (e.g. interest groups like food, energy, etc come under ‘interest groups’; likewise with project and neighbourhood groups).
Action: Stephen to draft a new version of the Network Map based on the above.
2. Agenda for next Network Meeting
The next Network meeting is on 6th November at the Brighthelm Centre. The purpose of this meeting is to formalise the interest groups and begin building the network. David suggested that we begin working towards a big networking day, perhaps to be held in mid to late January. All present agreed that would be a good way to get more people involved. It will also be a good way to meet new people, find out more about what others around the city are doing, and to begin working together. It was decided to announce this at the Network Meeting. We will ask interest groups to begin thinking about others in B&H already doing work on their area of interest. This way we can pool our collective knowledge and generate a comprehensive list of people to invite to the network day.
Action: Stephen and Ann to facilitate the meeting on the 6th.
3. Misc items
Film screenings - Jo noted that we may have to buy licenses in order to show some of climate change and peak oil films. She added that we don’t want to have to charge people to attend film showings. There was a suggestion that we ask for donations at showings – that way people can give a donation if they want to.
Council support - Stephen noted that the Green Party was going to put a motion to support TBH to the Council. We have not yet heard back about this. Stephen to follow up.
Funding – It was queried whether we could request some funding from the Council to support our activities. Maureeen to email Mita Patel from the Sustainability Team to ask for her thoughts on the matter.
TBH and local policies – it was noted that TBH will encompass people from a variety of backgrounds and schools of thought. TBH can support campaigns, initiatives, etc, in the spirit of the aims and purpose of the Transition movement, but it should remain neutral rather than taking a stand on particular issues (e.g. being pro- or anti nuclear power). We have been approached to lend support to various campaigns such as the Big Ask and a campaign against a local incinerator. Eventually we will respond as TBH, but in the meantime it is probably best to respond as individuals.
Logo – the logo is still undecided. Stephen to follow up with Lynda who has agreed to have a go at designing a logo based on comments from the first round of designs.
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 30 October
